Improvement in combined hat-rackand umbrella-stand



A'.l MILNE. l Combined Hat-Raokjand Umbrella-Stand.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIoE.

ALEXANDER MILNE, 0F WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN COMBINED HAT-RACK AND UMBRELLA-STAND.

Specication forming part of Letters Patent No. 214,834, dated April 29, 1879 application filed September 18, 1878.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Beit known that I, ALEXANDER MILNE, of Washington, District of Oolum bia, have invented certainy Improvements in Hat-Racks, of p the whole presenting the appearance of an ordinary hat-rack; Fig. 2, a similar view, with the parts extended; Fig. 3, a vertical section on the line x .fr of Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the shoepan detached.

As commonly constructed, hat-racks possess only a limited number of hooks or pegs, which are found insufficient in time of receptions, parties, and similar gatherings for the purpose of holding hats, coats, 8vo., while the umbrella room, both as to the guard and the pan, is likewise frequently found inadequate at such times, and no place is afforded for the reception of overshoes, &c.

To obviate these difficulties and produce a hat-rack which, under ordinary circumstances, shall have the appearance of those commonly in use, but which may, in case of necessity, be extended to afford additional accommodation for hats, coats, umbrellas, Src., and also offer a convenient receptacle for overshoes, is the object of my invention.

In the accompanying drawings, A represents a hat-rack, which may be of any wellknown design, provided, as usual, with pegs or hooks, and, in this case, with an umbrellaguard, B, and pan C at each side. Upon the rear part of the upper portion of the body A are formed or secured grooved guides a, in which are mounted sliding hook-bearin g frames D, as represented in Fig. 3, one each side of the center. Under ordinary circumstances these frames D are pushed in and concealed from view behind the body A, as shown in`Fig. l; but when it is desired to increase the number of hooks, one or both of these frames are drawn outward, as represented in Fig. 2, and the folding hooks b, with which the frames are provided, are turned outward in position for use. When it is desired to provide for a still further increase in the number of hooks, the frames D may, in turn, be provided with grooved guides a', having secondary hook-bearing frames D mounted and arranged to slide therein, as

shown in Figs. 2 and 8. Suitable stops will,

of course, be provided to limit the movements of the frames D D in each direction.

In order to provide for an increase of umbrella room, the guards B and pans C are each made of greater length than usual, and arranged to be shoved within and concealed by the frame-Work ofthe body A when required only for ordinary Lise, but capable of being drawn outward to render their entire space available, as represented in Fig. 2, when desired, suitable stops being also provided to limit their movementin either direction.

For the purpose of retaining the guards and pans in their closed position, a portion, c, attached to the frame or body A at each side, may be notched to hook or engage over the guard B, and hinged to the body, to permit its elevation and disengagement from the same when necessary,'or any other convenient locking device may be employed.

In order to provide a convenient place for the reception of overshoes, a pan or box, E, is arranged between the umbrella-supports, as represented in Figs. l and 2, and made to serve, in addition to its primary object, as a covering for the portions of the pans C when they are not in position for use. The shoe pan or box E is furnished with an elevated longitudinal slat or bar, c, to hold up the shoes and permit the Water to drain oft'.

While it is preferred to furnish the hat-rack with all of the abovedescribed features, it is obvious that each may be employed independently of the others, the body A being modified, if necessary, to correspond. y

Itis apparent that instead of sliding frames jointed or folding frames may be employed; that instead of arranging separate frames and umbrella-receptacles at each side they may be be provided. The form and arrangement shown is, however, considered best, as it more perfectly preserves the symmetry and beauty ot' the rack, and at the saine time preserves a proper balance, which is desirable.

I am aware that folding frames provided with hooks or pegs, and arrangedto be closed or folded for convenience in carrying, have heretofore been made, they being` specially designed for persons traveling, and being adapted to be pla-ced, when folded, in a trunk or similar place; but so far as I am aware these frames are without exception incapable of use when folded.

My invention, however, is intended for ordinary household use, and the rack and umbrella-stands are capable of use when the extensible portions are closed within the body.

Having,` thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. As a new article ot' manufacture, a hatrack of variable capacity, consisting of a stationary main rack with hooks or pegs thereon, and one or more supplemental frames, also provided with hooks, supported by and arranged to close behind the main frame out of sight when not required for use, all construct ed and arranged substantially as described.

2. In a combined hat-rack and umbrellastand, one or more extensible umbrella-guards and pans, substantially as shownv and described.

3. An umbrella-stand, extensible in length, substantially as described.

4. In a hat-rack, the combination of an extensible umbrella receptacle or support and a hinged or pivoted latch, c, to retain the same in a closed position.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a hatrack having an extensible hook-bearin g frame, an extensible umbrella receptacle or support, and a shoe-pan, substantially as shown and described.

ALEXANDER MlLNE. 

